Let's get started by preparing your new computer case. Once you remove it from its box, you'll need to remove the cover. How you do this will vary depending on the type of case you've chosen. Some cases will require you to use a screwdriver to remove a few small screws along the edge on the rear of the case. Other designs (the better ones, in my opinion), will be "screwless." These cases typically use small clips or plastic thumbscrews to hold on the case cover.

Hardware - Once you've removed the cover, be sure to set aside the little baggie of screws and other hardware that comes with the case. Inside the case you shoud find a couple of different types of screws (more or less depending on your case). The larger screws (chassis screws) will normally be used for securing PCI cards or other large components.

The case should also include smaller screws that are used for mounting the motherboard to the case's motherboard tray. And finally, the case should include several plastic or metal standoffs. The most common type of standoff is a little brass hex-shaped post that screws into the tray. Another type is a small white plastic clip that snaps into the case's motherboard tray.

Standoffs - There will be several different locations on the tray to install the standoffs, but you don't want to start just yet. You only want to install standoffs in the holes that correspond to the mounting holes on your motherboard. You'll need to hold the motherboard over the tray to identify which of the mounting holes on the tray correspond to the holes in your motherboard.

Fan - If your case includes a fan, it's likely already installed. If you've decided to install an extra fan in the rear of the case, it may be best to wait until after the motherboard is installed. You'll need to decide for yourself--if installing your fan will become an obstruction to installing your motherboard, then hold off on installing the second fan until your motherboard is in place..

I/O Shield - Included with retail versions of motherboards are I/O shields that install in the rear of the case. The I/O shield is customized for your motherboard and has pre-cut holes for your motherboard's external connections such as USB ports, video, mouse, keyboard, etc. If your case already has an I/O shield, remove it and replace it with the one that shipped with your new motherboard.

Power Supply Unit (PSU) - If your case shipped with a power supply already installed, then most of your work is done. Just check the connectors for any obvious damage, and ensure that the PSU is securely mounted within the case. If you're installing your own power supply, make sure it matches your case type (e.g., an ATX Case needs an ATX PSU). Then simply line it up with the guides (if any) making sure that its fan blows air out of the rear of the case when powered on. Line up the screw holes on the case and secure it with chassis screws. If applicable, make sure the voltage switch on the rear is set appropriately to 110 volts or 220 volts (depending on where you live).

Step 3: Install CPU/Processor

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